Review of Circulon Infinite Circulon 6-Quart Covered Chef Pan with Helper Handle

This pan is a big improvement over the original Circulon pot I have with the deep circular grooves.This pan has shallow bumps on the pan bottom that are extremely easy to clean.This particular chefs pan is a great size for meals for 4.I love the high straight sides.The pan is heavy for me so I cannot easily lift it or toss ingredients using one hand.The heaviness is the biggest negative for me over the wok I had that this replaces.The reason for the weight is a layer of stainless steel on the bottom of the pan, which is very flat.The lid is also stainless steel and tight fitting.I cook over a budget electric range and the pan is reasonably even heating.I have not noticed the handle getting hot at all, but I have not used very high heat on this pan because it so far does not seem to need it.The non-stick performance has been great, and the pan cleans up very easily.I always hand wash and have not tried in the dishwasher.The pan with the handle seems a little big to fit efficiently in a dishwasher.I like this pan so much that I am going to buy more of the Circulon Infinite cookware.

Product Description
The sides of a chef's pan are gently sloped, just enough to round the edges of the pan. Getting rid of the sharp corners makes stirring or whisking more efficient.

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Review of All-Clad LTD 6-Piece Cookware Set

I've had All Clad LTD pans for a number of years now. I usually cook several times a day almost everyday & although these pans cook beautifully and the interior looks beautiful & cleans up easily, the anodized exterior looks terrible now. I wouldn't mind so much but I have them hanging on decorative pot rack. For that reason I want to replace them with the less expensive version in stainless steel but the financial loss is killing me. I don't have room in my small kitchen to put them away. We've had a stainless steel All-Clad sauce pan for a few years which still looks great and isn't embarrassing hanging from our rack. If you don't mind so much what your pots look like then these would probably be a great choice. If anyone knows any great secrets to keeping these looking great, please post them in the discussion area. I've contacted All-Clad several times and do exactly as they say without achieving any desired results.


Product Description
Includes: 8" nonstick fry pan, 2 qt. sauce pan with lid, 3 qt. saute pan, 6 qt. stock pot with interchangeable lid. The dark, hard anodized aluminum exterior won't scratch, peel, or chip. Stainless steel interior with aluminum core extending up the sides of the pan for even heat distribution. Stay cool handles. Lifetime guarantee.

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Review of Le Creuset 8-by-12-Inch Rectangular Bakers

As a classically trained chef, I have an extensive collection of kitchen items not always found in a typical home. I tend to think of kitchen products from a professional point of view, although I enjoy many items made for home use. Le Creuset is uncommon in professionally kitchens; however they manufacture quality and effective products.

Le Creuset's porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels are cast from molten iron formed in single use sand moulds.Covering cast iron with porcelain enamel not only looks good, but has multiple benefits.The enamel, being a solid coating, is one of the most hygienic surfaces to cook on, does not stain, absorb odors, retain flavors, and is easy to clean eliminating the need for seasoning and preventing rust issues. Limit cooking tools to plastic or wood to prevent damaging the enamel.

Cast iron is a highly efficient material which absorbs and distributes heat efficiently.For this reason, it is recommended to use on low to medium heat. There are a few exceptions like boiling water where cooking on high heat is appropriate and okay. Otherwise, cooking with high heat may cause food to stick, discolor the enamel coating, or unevenly cook the food. Cast iron also retains heat, keeping food warm while serving.

This pan holds 2 1/2 quarts of food, measures 7 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 2 inches internally, and weighs 6 pounds 10 ounces.2 1/2 quarts will typically feed 4 - 6 people when it comes to casseroles, consider the larger roaster to feed more.Except for roasts, the roasting pan tends to do best if at least 3/4 full.Any less and you may overwhelm your food with the pan's evenly dispersed heat.

Two features people tend to complain about are the cost and weight. The cost seems steep compared to common pans made from other materials. Compare to quality cookware, and the cost may seem more reasonable.When comparing to the old cast iron pans past generations have used for cornbread and camping, Le Creuset seems expensive. However the manufacturing process requires making a mould for each and every pan produced. They then go through the enameling process before shipping these heavy pans. If you take what goes into making and distributing these high quality cast iron products, the cost tends to make sense. Then consider this pan will easily last a lifetime when taken care of.Additionally cast iron is a heavy material.The enamel doesn't add much to the weight, when comparing to a similar cast iron product, the weight is going to be comparable.

I find the many benefits of Le Creuset make this pan a worthy purchase.This pan adds a desirable crispy texture to dishes like mac-n-cheese. Add a roasting rack and this pan is perfect for roasting chickens. The enamel is attractive, while the cast iron keeps the food warm for serving.Cleaning and caring for this dishwasher safe pan is easy.When properly taken care of, this pan will last a lifetime.

Knowing the benefits and the pleasure I get from using Le Creuset, I don't hesitate to recommend this pan.If you choose to purchase this pan, and use it for its strengths you won't be disappointed.

PROS:
Efficient heat absorption and distribution
Hygienic enamel cooking surface
Does not stain, absorb odors, or retain flavors
Easy to clean when not abused or misused
Can be transferred from stove top to the oven to the table
Dishwasher safe
Can easily last a lifetime

CONS:
Its heavy, as cast iron tends to be, weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces

Product Description
Truly an All-in-One Dish that you can bake, slice, serve and store in. Use this 8 x 12-in. dish for casseroles, lasagna, side dishes and desserts. The rich red color is enough to brighten any table and stir the appetite. Sure grip handles help you serve with ease.Since 1925, artisans have been crafting Le Creuset cookware in the French village of Fresnoy Le Grand. Each piece of Le Creuset cast iron cookware is handcast, polished, double enamel-coated and then fired, resulting in some of the finest quality cookware available. Cast iron is one of the best materials for distributing heat gently and thoroughly and is ideal for induction ranges. The strong enamel coating will not absorb odors or flavors, and is easy to clean. Heavy lids securely seal in moisture and flavor. Le Creuset cookware comes in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to match any kitchen and cooking preference. So lasting, you'll pass it on to the next generation of promising cooks.

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Review of Anolon Advanced 5-Inch Santoku with Hollow-Ground Blade

I've got the paring knife from this series, and I love it. Perfectly balanced, perfectly sharp. I had high hopes for this santoku, which is really kind of a compromise blade between a chef's knife, a cleaver, and a traditional santoku, and which I got for almost half off.

The grip is nice, and the blade is full tang (with a very nice synthetic grip coating the otherwise metal handle), making it very sturdy. But unfortunately it's just not sharp enough. Unlike my large santoku, which slices through peels and crusts, this guy needs much more force applied. I still do plan to use it for crude jobs (boning raw meat, rough dice of onions, bread), but it has perhaps been compromised too much by trying to do too many cutlery jobs. It's only average at most of them.

It's well-made, though, and will last a lifetime. And it comes with a nice plastic sheath so it can survive life in a drawer as a "sometimes" or backup knife.



Product Description
A cleaver and chef knife combined, excellent for mincing and slicing, especially good for cutting raw fish, poultry and meat

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Review of Berndes SignoCast Classic 8-Inch Skillet

I know kitchens -- I worked as a short-order cook for years.

This is a quality piece of cookware.Decent weight, well-machined.Berndes' non-stick coating is, for me, the standard against which I compare all others (and it's the only non-stick cookware I've ever been happy with).We've had the first pan for a year or three, and my wife still hasn't managed to destroy it.Yet.

For me, a HUGE plus (and what makes the purchase a no-brainer) is that there are no rivets inside the pan.(IMHO, rivets have no business on the inside of any pan --makes cooking & clean-up more work.)

It's quite simply a flawless omelet pan.I've not used anything better at any price.

Product Description
Every kitchen should have at least one non-stick frying pan, and this one is loaded with advantages. Vacuum-pressure casting allows this line of cookware to have a thick base for even heating, thin walls for less energy loss and lighter weight, and thick rim for structural stability. This cookware won't warp and the non-stick surfaces both inside and out won't blister, peel or chip. Casting allows the handle bases to be an integral part of the pan, making rivets unnecessary. No rivets makes the interior easier to keep clean. The phenolic handles feature an ergonomic design with a thumb rest, nice and comfy!

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Review of Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round French Oven, 9 Qt.

Three years ago, I ordered one of these beauties because I noticed that each and every host on the Food Network, from Martha to Mario was using this pot. I didn't know Le Creuset from Adam, and I thought the height of culinary sophistication was my eight quart Calphalon anodized aluminum Dutch oven. I even went so far in thinking that the TV guys were using this pot because it was white on the inside, so it was easy for the camera to see what was going on.

Boy, was I wrong. Ever since I got this pup, I have used it for every soup, every braise, every stew, and every pot roast I have made since. At about the same time I got an oval shaped pot and a similar sized pot shaped primarily for making soups. All three are about the same size and weight. I never use the other two except when I have something which is a lot longer than it is wide.

The heat management is flawless, it is easy to clean, and it is tolerant of too much heat.

As other reviewers have noted, it is a bit heavy, so if you commonly have problems with heavy cookware, consider a smaller one or my retired aluminum pot.

Very highly recommended for both gas and electricity.

Product Description
Le Creuset 9 qt Rd French Oven - DuneLe Creuset classic touch for the modern table introduces Dune,the newest color addition to our cast iron repertoire. The Dune collection complements any color palette and makes the perfect gift.Only Le Creuset offers such a wide range of unique shapes and designs.This product offers unrivalled flexibility of use, excellent heat efficiency, and the versatility to use it on any stovetop, under the broiler, or in the oven.Our products are not only functional, but also beautiful to put on display or bring to the table for entertaining.Le Creuset is consistently chosen by leading chefs, restauranteurs, and those who just enjoy cooking, all of whom appreciate its performance, cooking advantages and style.Works on all heat sources - gas, electric, induction or glass top.Crafted by hand since 1925, each individual pot is made in its own sand mold and passes through the hands of more than 30 craftsmen during the manufacturing process.

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Review of Berndes SignoCast Classic10-Piece Cookware Set

I got this set for x-mas and it is fantastic. The 11" skillet has steep sides so it holds an entire meal, while the smaller skillet is perfect for eggs or small jobs. The stock pot works wonderfully for gumbo. I have not had anything burn with this set and clean up is as simple as warm water and a sponge. The glass lids all fit perfectly. I did have one lid handle that was attached backwards, but 5 seconds with a screwdriver fixed that. Must have been hitting the beer a bit heavy that morning in the factory :)

The stuff is MASSIVE, so make sure you have large cabinets to store them and strong arms to lift them. I have dinged up the skillet a bit but the non-stick coating is thick enough so small scratches do not get through, so it still performs well. Compared to the thin, warped, scratched stainless and non-stick junk I had before, these pots and pans are just fantastic. I only gave them 4 stars because I don't have a lot of experience with high quality cookware and there could be something better out there, who knows?

Product Description
Enjoy the durability and superior craftsmanship of SignoCast cookware by Berndes.Made from vacuum-cast aluminum, each piece in this collection features superior shape and thickness and is guaranteed never to warp.Three-layer nonstick interior and two-layer nonstick exterior surfaces are guaranteed to never chip, crack, blister, bubble or peel and they protect foods from sticking and burning while eliminating the need for excess fats, oils, and cooking sprays.The phenolic handles allow for easy transport without the use of potholders and the domed glass lids are both heat- and break-resistant for heightened energy efficiency and durability.This 10-pc. Cookware Set comes with the following: 9.5-in. Skillet11-in. Skillet 1.25-qt. Sauce Pan with Lid2-qt. Sauce Pan with Lid2.5-qt. Saut?? Pan with Lid10-qt. Stock Pot with LidFor maximum longevity, handwash-recommended.Made in Germany with a limited lifetime warranty.Berndes has been manufacturing quality products since 1921, functional and practical products that stand out from mass-produced items. With a complete range of product, popular classics, high-tech non-stick surfaces and continual innovations, Berndes leads the way and sets new standards on its way to becoming a global brand.

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